U.S. patent application number 11/699614 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for cable connector.
This patent application is currently assigned to Thomas & Betts, International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Yvan Leone, Alain Michaud.
Application Number | 20080179469 11/699614 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39666856 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080179469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leone; Yvan ; et
al. |
July 31, 2008 |
Cable connector
Abstract
A cable connector having a generally tubular shape with a
frontal portion and a rear portion is provided. The frontal portion
is on a plane perpendicular to an axis with an undivided annular
structure having an outer semi-conic wing that secures the cable
connector to a knock-out opening prior to a cable insertion therein
and an inner receptacle structure for receiving a cable in a
direction that is parallel to the axis. A rear grasping portion
separated into a pivoting rigid latch segment with a tightening
handle for clasping against a fixed slot segment with a releasing
handle for grasping the inserted cable is also provided.
Inventors: |
Leone; Yvan; (Montreal,
CA) ; Michaud; Alain; (Richelieu, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOFFMANN & BARON, LLP
6900 JERICHO TURNPIKE
SYOSSET
NY
11791
US
|
Assignee: |
Thomas & Betts, International,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
39666856 |
Appl. No.: |
11/699614 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 3/10 20130101; H02G
3/0658 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/56 |
International
Class: |
F16L 5/00 20060101
F16L005/00 |
Claims
1. A cable connector for securely providing strain relief to a
cable in a knock-out opening, the cable connector comprising: an
undivided frontal annular portion with an outer semi-conic wing
that is readily insertable into the knock-out opening prior to the
cable insertion therein; and a rear grasping portion separated into
a semi-rigid pivoting latch segment and a fixed slot segment.
2. A cable connector according to claim 1, wherein a
weather-proofing cuneus is inwardly disposed along the inner
perimeter of one of said segments.
3. A cable connector according to claim 1, wherein one of said
latch segment or said slot segment includes a toothed rack having a
plurality of notches encompassing a varying degree of cooperative
tightness with a nub provided on the other of said slot segment or
said latch segment.
4. A cable connector according to claim 1, wherein said annular
portion is secured to the knock-out opening on a plane
perpendicular to an axis to define an inner passageway for passing
the cable in a direction parallel to said axis.
5. A cable connector according to claim 3, wherein said latch
segment includes an actuating handle configured to move in tandem
with said toothed rack.
6. A cable connector according to claim 3, wherein said slot
segment includes a separate semi-rigid release handle to release
said toothed rack from said slot for removing/repositioning the
cable and reusing the cable connector.
7. A cable connector according to claim 2, wherein said cuneus is
inwardly disposed along the inner perimeter of said latch segment
and another cuneus is inwardly disposed on said slot segment to
clasp the cable and provide a seal impervious to outer
environment.
8. A cable connector according to claim 1, wherein said outer
semi-conic wings are divided into a solid semi-conic wing and a
flexible semi-conic wing configured with a recess to easily slip in
and squeeze out of the knock-out opening.
9. A cable connector according to claim 1, wherein the cable
connector is integrally molded from an electrically insulating
material.
10. A cable connector according to claim 1, wherein said pivoting
latch segment is an elongated wrap wing positioned to circumscribe
around the cable when positioned in said fixed slot segment.
11. A cable connector according to claim 1, wherein said fixed slot
segment includes an adjustable quick-snap lock for piercing and
pivoting over a loop formed at said latch segment to circumscribe
around the cable when positioned in said fixed slot segment.
12. A cable connector according to claim 1, wherein the cable
connector includes a partition flange situated between said frontal
annular portion and said rear grasping portion, said partition
flange, in combination with said outer protuberance, applying
pressure on the knock-out opening.
13. A cable connector according to claim 1, wherein said pivoting
latch segment is detached and includes tightening means on both
ends of said latch segment configured to press into said fixed slot
segment.
14. A cable connector according to claim 7, wherein said first and
second cuneuses extend inwardly to a specified length to adapt to
wire or cable or bundles thereof.
15. A cable connector according to claim 1, wherein the inner
diameter of said rear grasping portion defined by a position of
said latch segment assembled with said fixed slot segment is
smaller than the inner diameter of said frontal annular portion to
accommodate different diameter cables or wires.
16. An apparatus comprising: a frontal portion provided on a plane
perpendicular to an axis with a readily insertable undivided
annular structure having a set of outer semi-conic wings that
secures the apparatus to a knock-out opening prior to a cable
insertion therein; an inner passageway for passing a cable in a
direction that is parallel to said axis; and a rear grasping
portion separated into a pivoting semi-rigid latch segment with a
tightening handle and a fixed slot segment with a releasing handle
for grasping the inserted cable.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a first cuneus is
provided along the inner perimeter of said latch segment and a
second cuneus is provided on said slot segment.
18. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said outer
semi-conic wing is divided into a rigid solid semi-conic wedge and
a flexible elongated semi-conic wing.
19. A process for inserting a cable into a knock-out junction box,
the steps comprising: inserting a set of semi-conic wings formed
adjacent to an annular frontal portion of a cable connector through
a knock-out opening to hold said cable connector within said
knock-out opening; inserting a desired length of a cable through an
inner passageway of said annular frontal portion; pivoting a
tightening handle of a rigid latch segment forming a part of a rear
grasping portion of said cable connector against a fixed slot
segment with a releasing handle to clasp and grasp the inserted
cable; and further latching and tightening said latch segment
against said slot segment.
20. A process according to claim 19, the process further comprising
the step of: releasing by pulling said releasing handle and
unlatching by pulling said latch segment away from said slot
segment.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the installation of
electrical conductors to junction boxes. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a cost-effective unitary undivided
cable connector that can be easily installed on a junction box,
which provides protection from the external environment for the
junction box while retaining a cable, a wire, or a plurality
thereof in a strain-relief manner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Connectors providing strain relief to cables or wires in a
junction box are known. Examples are shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,892,979 to Rossow, U.S. Pat. No. 3,889,909 to Koscik, and U.S.
Pat. No. 3,788,582 to Swanquist. However, these devices are
designed to provide strain relief of the cable, and do not
necessarily provide an environmental protection from dust and
debris for the junction box itself.
[0003] The Rossow '979 reference, in particular, discloses two
embodiments designed to provide functionality for adding additional
wires to an existing connector assembly. In one embodiment, a cable
is fastened to the bottom of a ring member having upper annular
ridges provided at a distance away from the cable. This allows
additional cables or wires to be added into the ring at a later
time. However, this design leaves a gap between the cables and the
upper annular ridges.
[0004] The other embodiment of the Rossow '979 reference discloses
a break-away wedging member which partially encloses the opening.
However, the wedging member does not effectively protect the inner
junction box at the end of the opening. As the breakaway leaves the
corners at the ends open, dusts, debris and other particulates may
enter the junction box. In addition, both embodiments require
assembly of the frontal portion before being inserted into the
junction box, making its usage awkward and difficult. Furthermore,
even the fastening serrated wrap member needs to be navigated
through a tiny hole on the other side and does not allow a
necessary simple clasping solution out in the field.
[0005] Likewise, the device of the Koscik '909 reference does not
provide any protection for the gap between the ring and the cable.
The Swanquist '582 reference requires a specific dimension cable
for insertion into the rectangular passage, after which the
electrician would rotate a cam portion to secure the cable to the
connector and anchor the connector body to the box.
[0006] There is a need for a cable connector which can be
fabricated unitarily in a cost-effective economical manufacturing
process. It would also be preferable for such cable connector
construction to allow easy insertion into a junction box knock-out
opening without requiring any pre-assembly inconvenience either
prior to installation or at the time of manufacture. Further, a
need exists for a cable connector which can accommodate different
dimension cables in a simple to use, remove and reuse convenient
fastening mechanism. In addition, a cable connector which provides
environmental protection for the inside of the junction box is also
preferred.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In the particular embodiment shown and described herein, the
invention provides for an apparatus that has a frontal portion
provided on a plane perpendicular to an axis with a readily
insertable undivided annular structure. The frontal portion has an
outer protuberance that secures a cable connector to a knock-out
aperture hole prior to a cable insertion therein. The apparatus
also has an inner passageway structure for passing a cable in a
direction that is parallel to the axis. Furthermore, the apparatus
includes a rear grasping portion separated into a pivoting rigid
latch segment with a tightening handle for clasping against a fixed
slot segment with a releasing handle for grasping the inserted
cable.
[0008] Preferably, the apparatus also includes a cuneus provided
along the inner perimeter of the latch segment and another cuneus
provided on the slot segment, which cooperate with each other to
clasp the inserted cable. More preferably, the outer protuberance
may be divided into a flexible solid wing and a non-flexible
elongated wing with a recess carved therein and two rigid surfaces
to provide rigidity to the elongated wing during insertion into the
knockout hole.
[0009] Other objects and features of the invention will be evident
from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments and practices included in the invention and from the
drawings herewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of the cable connector of the present invention shown with the rear
pivoting segment in an open position;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the preferred embodiment as
shown in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of another preferred embodiment
with the rear pivoting segment in an open position;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the preferred
embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the preferred
embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 with the rear pivoting segment in a
closed position and including a partial view of a cable placed
therein;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the plane X-X in FIG.
4 with a cable passing through;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the preferred embodiment shown
in FIG. 1 shown partially disposed inside a knockout hole; and
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 shown
fully inserted into the knockout hole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Referring to the FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the
present invention shows a generally tubular cable connector body
101 which is annular in shape. The cable connector body 101 defines
a central cross bore passageway 111 for accommodating a
non-metallic sheathed cable 99 through the cable connector body 101
in a direction along axis 95 (FIG. 6).
[0019] The cable connector body 101 includes two main parts: a
front mounting end 121 adapted to protrude from a knock-out opening
of an electrical protective enclosure or a junction box, and a rear
fastener end 161 opposite of the mounting end 121 for engaging a
wire, a cable or a plurality thereof.
[0020] As can be seen on FIG. 1, the mounting end 121 includes an
undivided frontal annular portion 123. This undivided frontal
annular portion 123 is insert-ready and allows the user to secure
the cable connector body 101 into a knock-out opening prior to
inserting the cable into the bore 111. Thus, it effectively removes
any pre-assembly requirement.
[0021] Different parts of the mounting end 121 shall be described
with respect to FIG. 2. The outer exterior body surface 110 defines
the exterior of both, the mounting end 121 and fastener end 161, on
the opposite side of the bore 111. At a location adjacent to the
annular portion 123, a flexible semi-conic wing 141 with a thin
profile is integrally molded together with the connector body 101.
This flexible semi-conic wing 141 includes an inclined surface 145
extending at a slope away from both the annular portion 123 and the
body surface 110. As can be seen on FIG. 7, the particularly thin
extending profile of the semi-conic wing 141 provides flexibility
of being pressed against the body surface 110.
[0022] Similar to the semi-conic wing 141, a non-flexible solid
wedge 151 with an extended wing profile is integrally molded
together on the outer exterior body surface 110 at another location
adjacent to the annular portion 123, opposite of the semi-conic
wing 141. The solid wedge 151 includes a thin stripe of surface
spanning the boundary perimeter. Explicitly, this thin stripe
includes two inclined trussing edges 155 and 155' extending at an
angle away from both the annular portion 123 and the body surface
110 at side edges. Thus formed, the trussing edge surfaces 155,
155' provide additional rigidity to the solid wedge 151. At the
distal end, these trussing edges 155 and 155' change direction
toward each other to meet and form a bottom ledge 156. Therefore,
the thin stripe of surface including the trussing edges 155 and
155' and the bottom ledge 156 together define a recess 159 there
between.
[0023] Having discussed the front mounting end 121, the rear
fastening end 161 shall now be discussed. A pair of spaced-apart
planar segments or flange walls 131 and 133 extend radially
outwardly of the body exterior surface 110 in substantially
opposite directions. In addition, a stop shoulder 135 in the form
of an extended protuberance projects radially outwardly close to
the flange wall 133. Together, the flange walls 131, 133 and the
stop shoulder 135 define a separation region for fastening end 161
from the mounting end 121. The flange walls 131, 133 and the stop
shoulder 135 are provided with flat stop surfaces 132, 134, and 136
respectively so that the mounting end 121 may pass through the
knock-out opening 93 (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) up to the area
immediately adjacent flat stop surfaces 132, 134 and 136. Then, the
flange walls 131, 133 and the stop shoulder 135 engage the rim of
the knock-out opening 93. Thus fixed, the planar stop surfaces 132,
134 and 136 apply pressure on the rim of the knock-out opening 93
securely holding the body 101 therein.
[0024] As can seen in FIG. 3, back end walls 147 and 157 of the
flexible semi-conic wing 141 and the non-flexible solid wedge 151
define the opposite sides of the inclined surfaces 145, 155 and
155' respectively. More specifically, the back end walls 147 and
157 include planar surface portions 148 and 158. These planar
surface portions 148 and 158 cooperate with the planar stop
surfaces 132, 134 and 136 to provide a firm gripping mechanism when
the semi-conic wing 141 and the non-flexible solid wedge 151 are
passed through the knock-out opening 93.
[0025] In terms of additional functions with respect to FIG. 4, the
planar surface portions 148 and 158 along with the planar stop
surfaces 132, 134, and 136 together define a clearance body seat
139. This clearance body seat 139 provides a snap fit on either
circumferential rim sides of the knock-out opening 93 provided on
the junction box. Thus formed, the frontal annular portion 123 of
the cable connector 101 can be applied to the junction box either
before or after the cable 99 is applied to the connector, though as
a matter of convenience, application of the empty body connector
101 to the box is preferred.
[0026] The complementary assembly of the rear fastening end 161
shall now be discussed. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the rear
fastening end 161 is formed of two half-cylindrical bodies. The
first part is a fixed part 171 having an arcuate segment 172
integrally formed with the mounting end 121 and extending halfway
around a circumference parallel to the perimeter of the frontal
annular portion 123. This fixed part 171 is designed to cooperate
with a second pivoting part 181. The fixed part 171 includes a
projection 173 provided radially outwardly perpendicular to the
exterior surface 110. While the projection 173 is provided at a
distal end portion of the arcuate segment 172, a reinforced hinge
portion 165 is provided at opposite distal end. The reinforced
hinge portion 165 provides a flattened surface 167 that cooperates
with a flattened surface 187 of the pivoting part 181 and includes
a hinge 169 running parallel to the direction of the axis 95 (FIG.
6).
[0027] The projection 173 of the fixed part 171 includes a boxlike
cubic handle 175 attached to the distal end portion of the arcuate
segment 172 at two distinctive bases. Explicitly, the stop shoulder
135 extends further toward the cubic handle 175 to define the first
base. Another radially extending narrow shaft 136 provided at a
distance close to the stop shoulder 135 forms a second base for
attaching the boxlike cubic handle 175. These two distinctive
bases, the stop shoulder 135 and the narrow shaft 136 together
define a gap slot 163 formed there between to engage a portion of
the pivoting part 181.
[0028] The boxlike cubic handle 175 includes several important
features. The side of the cubic handle 175 facing the exterior
surface 110, is sloped in an angle to define a guiding portion 176
that extends to a sharp edge-shaped, positively locking ledge nub
179. The ledge nub 179 juts inwardly for receiving and engaging a
portion of the pivoting part 181.
[0029] In addition, once the ledge nub 179 engages the portion of
the pivoting part 181, the boxlike cubic handle 175 can be pulled
back to unlock and release the portion of the pivoting part 181 so
that it can be pulled away from the fixed part 171. Thus, the cubic
handle 175 serves to release the pivoting part 181 from the slot
for removing/repositioning of the cable and also for reusing the
cable connector. Further, the boxlike cubic handle 175 may be solid
or it may preferably include an aperture 178 there within as shown
in FIG. 2.
[0030] Having discussed the fixed part 171 of the fastening end
161, the pivoting part 181 shall now be discussed in detail. The
pivoting part 181 is conjoined at the hinge 169 with the fixed part
171. The pivoting part 181 includes an arcuate segment 182 formed
with a curved body corresponding to approximately half of the
circumferential perimeter of the frontal annular portion 123. One
end of the arcuate segment 182 is conjoined at the hinge 169 with
the reinforced flattened surface 187. This flattened surface 187
cooperates with the flattened surface 167 of the hinge portion
165.
[0031] An extended shank handle 183 is provided at the other distal
end of the arcuate segment 182 opposite the flattened surface 187.
The extended shank handle 183 has an elongated body which narrows
slightly for easy gripping. In addition, a slightly curved toothed
rack 191 juts out from a location between either ends of the shank
handle 183 in a direction perpendicular to a plane that bisects the
shank handle 183. The toothed rack 191 includes a plurality of
notches 193 shaped in series to pass through the slot 163 along the
angled guide 176 and positively engage the ledge nub 179 to provide
a series of possible fixed engagement positions with a varying
degree of tightness.
[0032] The toothed rack 191 is shaped with a semi-rigid material to
bend slightly as the notches 193 are passed over the ledge nub 179
but to retain the whole rigid shape of the pivoting part 181. In
essence, the two parts 171 and 181 are shaped so that a user can
squeeze the shank handle 183 and the cubic handle 175 with a thumb
and an index finger by a simple squeezing torque movement. Such
simple movement actuates the perpendicularly directed toothed rack
191 to move in tandem with the shank handle 183 and enter and pass
through the slot 163. In turn, the notches 193 slide along the
guide 176 and positively lock in series with the ledge nub 179 at
different positions. Thus, the simple squeezing allows the user to
configure a custom cable/wire retaining diameter.
[0033] The numerous engaging positions provided by the plurality of
notches 193 allow additional functional benefits. The positions
between the notches 193 and the ledge nub 179 translate to a
plurality of positions between the shank handle 183 and the cubic
handle 175. The widest position between the two handles 175 and 183
provides a wide enough passageway 111 for a cable diameter limited
only by the diameter of the frontal annular portion 123. The
narrowest position between the pivoting part 181 and the fixed part
171 allow the two handles 175 and 183 to abut against each other.
Further, at certain positions closer to the narrowest position, the
arcuate segment 182 and the arcuate segment 172 together form a
series of circular diameter smaller than the diameter of the
frontal cylindrical portion 123 to accommodate different diameters
of cables, wires or a plurality thereof or change the cable number
or diameter configuration at different installation instances.
[0034] Preferably, as an ordinary person skilled in the art will
recognize, the cable grasping function can be enhanced by several
different designs to provide weather proofing. For instance, the
inner perimeter of the arcuate section 182 of the pivoting part 181
may include a wedge-shaped cuneus 197 directed inwardly toward the
center of the passageway 111. Further, the arcuate segment 172 of
the fixed part 171 may also include a wedge shaped cuneus 195
directed inwardly to provide a hermaphroditical interaction with
the cuneus 197 to firmly grasp the perimeter of the cable as shown
in FIG. 5 and allow weather-proof functionality. As the arcuate
segments 172 and 182 are brought together, the cuneus 195 and the
cuneus 197 tightly clasp the cable there through to provide a
gap-less rear portion of the circular opening passageway 111. Thus
positioned, the cuneuses 195 and 197 provide a weatherproof tight
seam preventing infiltration of dust or debris from outer
environment into the box. Preferably, the cuneuses 195 and 197 may
be fabricated with specific dimensions extending inwardly to a
specified preferred length to adapt to different diameter wire or
cable or bundles thereof.
[0035] Alternatively, a person of ordinary skill in the art will
immediately recognize that the rigidity of the solid wedge 151 can
be achieved by many different design deviations. For instance, the
solid wedge 151' can be formed as a simple solid wedge with no
recess therein.
[0036] The present invention also embodies several different
features which may differ from the features described above. For
instance, the pivoting part may be completely detachable from the
cable connector itself and include a toothed rack on both sides to
engage two slots on the fixed part. Further, the latched segment
may include tightening means such as latches instead of toothed
rack on either ends of the arcuate segment, configured to plug into
the fixed slot segments. Alternatively, the pivoting latch segment
may be an elongated wrap member positioned to circumscribe over the
cable when positioned through the fixed slot segment. Furthermore,
the fixed slot segment may include an adjustable quick snap lock
for passing through and pivoting over a loop formed at the latch
segment to circumscribe around the cable when positioned in the
fixed slot segment.
[0037] In terms of materials, the cable connector body 101 may be
integrally molded from an electrically insulating material such as
a polymer, or preferably formed from a suitable electrically
insulating plastic material such as ABS
(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), or the modified phenylene oxide
that is sold under the trademark NORYL (by General Electric Co.).
However, any suitable plastic material may be used, and furthermore
the connector can be readily adapted to be made from suitable
metallic materials such as die cast zinc or aluminum, ferrous
castings, or non-ferrous metals.
Installation
[0038] Having described the physical attributes of the cable
connector, a preferred installation method shall be described. As
can be seen in FIG. 7, the cable connector 101 is installed in a
knock-out opening 93 on a junction box to protect the conductor
cable from the outer edges of the knock-out opening 93 and retain
the conductor cable within.
[0039] The electrician mounts the mounting end 121 of the cable
connector 101 into the knock-out opening 93. This is done by
inserting the semi-conic wing and the solid wedge of the annular
frontal portion 123 through the knock-out opening 93 to hold the
cable connector body 101 within.
[0040] As a first step, the electrician inserts the non-flexible
solid wedge 151 of the connector body 101 first into the knock-out
opening 93 from the outside of the box. In detail, the bottom ledge
156 of the non-flexible solid wedge 151 is first inserted into the
knock-out opening 93 from outside of the box wall.
[0041] Once the non-flexible solid wedge 151 passes through the
knock-out opening 93, the flexible semi-conic wing 141 is pressed
through the knock-out opening 93. As the flexible semi-conic wing
141 is made from resiliently flexible material, it is easily
deflected as it is inserted into the opening 93. Thus, the rim
portion 91 of the knock-out opening 93 will pass and end its
contact with the surfaces 145.
[0042] As the semi-conic wing 141 returns to its relative position
of FIG. 8 after it is deflected and then released, the clearance
body seat 139 engages the knock-out opening 93 for a secure
attachment.
[0043] The operator then readily inserts a cable through the bore
111 of the body 101 to a desired amount of cable length within the
box. After the cable insertion, it is merely necessary to pivot the
shank handle 183 toward the cubic handle 171 to secure the cable to
the connector. The pivoting part 181 is readily applied to the
connector body 101 by directing the toothed rack 191 through the
opening slot 163 in the manner that has been indicated over the
ledge nub 179. When the pivoting part 181 is in the position shown
in FIG. 5, it firmly grasps cable 99 thereto. In addition, further
latching, readjusting, and tightening of the shank handle against
the slot segment is possible.
[0044] When it becomes necessary to remove or change the position
of the cable, the connector is released by bending the cubic handle
175 and unlatching the pivoting part 181 away from the fixed part
171.
[0045] While the connector or fitting of this invention is intended
for use in connection with the familiar knock-out openings of
conventional boxes, the connector is also readily adapted for use
in connection with box or other openings of standard knock-out size
that are punched or drilled, whether in the field or otherwise. Of
course, the fitting of this invention can be proportioned for use
in connection with any size knock-out or otherwise formed box wire
receiving opening. The box may be any conventional electrical box,
such as the familiar outlet and switch boxes.
[0046] Various changes to the foregoing described and shown
structures will now be evident to those skilled in the art.
Accordingly, the particularly disclosed preferred embodiments are
intended in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The scope
of the invention is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *